Photoshoot: ///M Family Reunion

This is a sight that we rarely get to see. Photographer Arnaud Taquet, along with a series of European automotive outlets, puts together an impressive …

This is a sight that we rarely get to see. Photographer Arnaud Taquet, along with a series of European automotive outlets, puts together an impressive photoshoot of some of the most amazing M cars ever built. In chronological order, we have the E30 M3 EVO, E36 M3, E46 M3, E46 M3 CSL, E93 M3, E92 M3 ZCP, M3 GTS and the 1M.

Among them, the photographer also included the iconic 2002 tii.

While the 1M remains close to our hearts, the favorites among the bunch continue to be the E46 M3 CSL and the limited-edition M3 GTS.

CSL stands for “Coupe Sport Lightweight”, a moniker first given to the legendary race winning BMW 3.0 CSL. First appearing in 1972, the 3.0CSL homologation special model was very successful in racing, especially in the European Touring Car Championship and the Deutsche Rennsport Meisterschaft, thus securing BMW’s position amongst motorsport giants.

The CSL-spec engine is rated at 360 hp at 7,900 rpm and 273 lb-ft of torque at 4,300 rpm. The M3 CSL is equipped exclusively with the SMG II transmission featuring a special launch control mode that automatically shifts at the optimum point for maximum acceleration.

BMW M3 GTS uses a larger and more powerful V8 engine than the “regular” E92 M3, as well as an exclusive tuning of the 7-speed M Dual Clutch Transmission with Drivelogic and modified suspension technology. The car, which is designed for club sport use, has also been specifically optimized with regard to aerodynamics and lightweight construction. BMW M3 Coupe features a 331 kW/450 bhp engine .

Featuring a transmission and suspension configuration which has been optimized for the racetrack, the BMW M3 GTS accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in a mere 4.4 seconds. The car reaches the 1,000 meter mark from a standstill in just 22.5 seconds.